The Australian Design Rules

Source: DOTARS Transport Regulation Website 10 June 2005
Please check for updates to the below information at http://www.dotars.gov.au

The Australian Design Rules

The Australian Design Rules set out design standards for vehicle safety and emissions. They are developed through a consultative process involving government, industry, employee and consumer representatives.

The ADRs, as they then stood, became national standards for the purposes of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act on 2 August 1989 (Gazette number S 264).

The ADRs use United Nations vehicle categories and are harmonised to a considerable extent with international standards.

The Third Edition ADRs were initially developed under the auspices of the Australian Transport Advisory Council between February 1983 and December 1986.

As initially published, the Third Edition was a combination of active Second Edition ADRs and existing essential "design and construction" requirements of the Consolidated Draft Regulations. It has since been added to and amended, to reflect the further needs of the community.

The Australian Design Rules are available on CD-ROM. They can be obtained by emailing standards@dotars.gov.au or by following the steps outlined at the DOTARS website subscription/purchase information page.

Below is a brief outline of the purpose of each Rule.

ADR 1 - Reversing Lamps

The function of this national standard is to specify the photometric requirements for reversing lamps which:

(a) warn pedestrians and other roadusers that the vehicle is about to move, or is moving, in the reverse direction; and
(b) aid the driver in reversing manoeuvres during the hours of darkness.

ADR 2 - Side Door Latches and Hinges

The function of this national standard is to specify requirements for sidedoor retention components, including latches, hinges, and other supporting means, to minimise the likelihood of occupants being thrown from a vehicle as a result of impact.

ADR 3 - Seats and Seat Anchorages

The function of this national standard is to specify requirements for 'Seats', their attachment assemblies, and their installation to minimise the possibility of occupant injury due to forces acting on the 'Seat' as a result of vehicle impact.

ADR 4 - Seatbelts

The function of this national standard is to specify requirements for seatbelts to: restrain vehicle occupants under impact conditions, facilitate fastening and correct adjustment, assist the driver to remain in his 'Seat' in an emergency situation and thus maintain control of the vehicle, and protect against ejection in an accident situation.

ADR 5 - Anchorages for Seatbelts and Child Restraints

The function of this national standard is to specify requirements for 'Anchorages' for both 'Seatbelt Assemblies' and 'Child Restraints' so that they may be adequately secured to the vehicle structure or 'Seat' and will meet comfort requirements in use.

ADR 6 - Direction Indicator Lamps

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify the photometric requirements for direction indicators which will provide adequate warning to other road users of the intention to perform a turning manoeuvre.

ADR 7 - Hydraulic Brake Hoses

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify the performance requirements of hydraulic brake hoses in vehicles so that the risk of failure in service will be minimised.

This rule will cease to have effect from 1 January 2005.

ADR 8 - Safety Glazing Material

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify the performance requirements of material used for external or internal glazing in motor vehicles which will ensure adequate visibility under normal operating conditions, will minimise obscuration when shattered, and will minimise the likelihood of serious injury if a person comes in contact with the broken glazing material.

ADR 9

Not used.

ADR 10 - Steering Column

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to minimise crushing or penetrating injuries to drivers due to the 'Steering Column' as a result of frontal impact.

ADR 11 - Internal Sun Visors

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify requirements for internal 'Sun Visors' to reduce the injury potential of internal 'Sun Visors' and the adjacent vehicle structure.

ADR 13 - Installation of Lighting and Light-signalling Devices on other than L-Group Vehicles

The function of this national standard is to ensure that the installation of the lighting and light-signalling devices on the vehicle is such that the effective operation of these devices is not impaired.

ADR 14 - Rear Vision Mirrors

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify requirements for rear vision mirrors to provide the driver with a clear and reasonably unobstructed view to the rear.

ADR 15 - Demisting of Windscreen

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify requirements for standards for equipment to maintain the windscreen clear of 'Mist' so that driver's 'Forward' vision is not obscured.

This rule will cease to have effect from 1 January 2005.

ADR 16 - Windscreen Wipers and Washers

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify requirements for windscreen wipers and washers to ensure reasonable visibility through the windscreen in inclement weather.

This rule will cease to have effect from 1 January 2005.

ADR 17 - Fuel System

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify requirements for 'Fuel Systems 17/00' using 'Liquid Fuel 17/00' other than liquefied petroleum gas that will facilitate safe operation and reduce the risk of fire due to fuel spillage during filling operations or as a result of impacts.

ADR 18 - Instrumentation

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify requirements for the provision and location of certain 'Visual Indicators'.

It also specifies requirements for speedometers and odometers.

ADR 19 - Installation of Lighting & Light-signalling Devices on L-Group Vehicles

The function of this national standard is to ensure that the installation of lighting and light-signalling devices on the vehicle is such that the effective operation of these devices is not impaired.

ADR 21 - Instrument Panel

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify requirements for the instrument panel to reduce its injury potential to occupants on impact

ADR 22 - Head Restraints

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify requirements for the design of 'Head Restraints' so as to limit the severity of injury in the event of rear-end impacts and to ensure that the 'Head Restraint' cannot be adjusted too low.

ADR 23 - Passenger Car Tyres

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify requirements of strength, construction and standard pressure/load relationships for passenger car tyres of particular size designations.

ADR 24 - Tyre & Rim Selection

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify requirements for tyres and 'Rims' appropriate to vehicle load capacity, 'Rim' size and speed characteristics.

This rule will cease to have effect from 1 January 2005.

ADR 25 - Anti-Theft Lock

The function of this national standard is to specify requirements for a lock to inhibit unauthorised use of the vehicle and to minimise the possibility of inadvertent adjustment of steering locks to the anti-theft position when the vehicle is in motion.

ADR 26

Not used

ADR 27

Not used

ADR 28 - External Noise of Motor Vehicles

The function of this ADR is to define limits on external noise generated by motor vehicles in order to limit the contribution of motor traffic to community noise

ADR 29 - Side Door Strength

The function of this Design Rule is to specify strength and stiffness requirements for side doors of passenger cars which can be used for occupant access to reduce intrusion into the passenger compartment as a result of side impact.

ADR 30 - Diesel Engine Exhaust Smoke Emissions

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to limit the opacity of 'Diesel Engine' exhaust smoke emissions.

ADR 31 - Hydraulic Brake Systems for Passenger cars

The function of this national standard is to ensure safe braking under normal and emergency conditions for vehicles equipped with hydraulic service brakes.

ADR 32

Not used

ADR 33 - Brake Systems for Motor Cycles and Mopeds

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to ensure safe braking under normal and emergency conditions.

ADR 34 - Child Restraint Anchorages and Child Restraint Anchor fittings

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify requirements for 'Child Restraint Anchorages' and 'Child Restraint Anchor Fittings' which provide for the connection of standard 'Attaching Clips' so that 'Child Restraints' may be adequately secured to the vehicle.

ADR 35 - Commercial Vehicle Brake Systems

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify braking requirements under normal and emergency conditions.

ADR 36 - Exhaust Emission Control for Heavy Duty Vehicles

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to limit 'Exhaust Emissions' from the propulsion engine of heavy duty motor vehicles in order to reduce air pollution.

ADR 37 - Emission Control for Light Vehicles

The intention of this Australian Design Rule is to limit 'Fuel Evaporative Emissions' and 'Exhaust Emissions' from motor vehicles in order to reduce air pollution, and to require new petrol fuelled motor vehicles to be manufactured to operate on 'Unleaded Petrol'.

ADR 38 - Trailer Brake Systems

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify requirements for braking under both normal and emergency conditions. Compliance can be demonstrated by road testing and/or calculations based on data for 'Approved' components.

ADR 39 - External Noise of Motor Cycles

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify requirements relating to external noise emitted from 'Motor Cycles' in order to limit the contribution by these vehicles to community noise.

ADR 40

Not used

ADR 41 - Mandatory Operation on Unleaded Petrol

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to require vehicles to be manufactured to operate on 'Unleaded petrol' and have certain associated features.

ADR 42 - General Safety Requirements

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify design and construction requirements to ensure safe operation of vehicles.

ADR 43 - Vehicle Configuration & Dimensions

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify requirements for vehicle configuration and dimensions.

ADR 44 - Specific Purpose Vehicle Requirements

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify requirements for the construction of the following vehicles:

'Taxis'; 'Tow Trucks'; 'Pole-type Trailers'; LPG-fuelled Vehicles; Emergency Vehicles; and Motorhomes/'Caravans'.

ADR 45 - Lighting & Light-signalling Devices not covered by ECE Regulations

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify the photometric requirements for lighting and light-signalling devices which will ensure adequate illumination for the driver of the vehicle and signal to other road users the position, orientation, intention and movement of the vehicle, without producing undue glare for other road users.

ADR 46 - Headlamps

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify the photometric requirements for headlamps which will provide adequate illumination for the driver of the vehicle without producing undue glare for other road users.

ADR 47 - Reflex Reflectors

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify the dimensional, photometric and stability requirements for reflex reflectors which will ensure that they effectively warn of the presence of the vehicle and continue to do so in normal use.

ADR 48 - Rear Registration Plate Illuminating Devices

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify the photometric requirements for rear registration plate illuminating devices which will ensure that the rear registration plate is adequately illuminated.

ADR 49 - Front and Rear Position (Side) Lamps, Stop Lamps and End-outline Marker Lamps

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify the photometric requirements for light-signalling devices which will signal to other road users the position, orientation and movement of the vehicle without producing undue glare for other road users.

ADR 50 - Front Fog Lamps

The intention of this Australian Design Rule is to specify the photometric requirements for front fog lamps which will provide adequate illumination for the driver of the vehicle without producing undue glare for other road users.

ADR 51 - Filament Globes

The function of this national standard is to specify the dimensional and photometric requirements for filament globes which ensure interchangeability and correct functioning when installed in a lamp.

ADR 52 - Rear Fog Lamps

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify the photometric requirements for rear fog lamps which will signal to other road users the position, orientation and movement of the vehicle without producing undue glare for other road users.

ADR 53 - Position Lamps, Stop Lamps, Direction Indicators & Rear Plate Lamps for L-Group Vehicles

The function of this Design Rule is to specify the photometric requirements for light-signalling devices which will signal to other road users the position, orientation and movement of the vehicle without producing undue glare for other road users.

ADR 54 - Passing Beam Headlamps for Mopeds

ADR 55 - Headlamps for L-Group Vehicles other than Mopeds

ADR 56 - Moped Noise

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify limits on external noise emitted from mopeds in order to limit the contribution by these vehicles to community noise.

ADR 57 - Special Requirements for L-Group Vehicles

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify special requirements for the construction of L Group Vehicles.

ADR 58 - Requirements for Omnibuses Designed for Hire and Reward

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify requirements for the construction of omnibuses designed for, and intended for licensing for, hire and reward.

ADR 59 - Omnibus Rollover Strength

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify the strength of an omnibus superstructure to withstand forces encountered in rollover crashes.

ADR 60 - Centre High-mounted Stop Lamp

The function of this national standard is to specify requirements for a supplementary 'Centre High-mounted Stop Lamp' on the rear of the vehicle, to provide an additional indication to other road users to the rear of the vehicle that the driver of the vehicle is applying the service brakes.

ADR 61 - Vehicle Marking

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify requirements for vehicle marking.

ADR 62 - Mechanical Connections between Vehicles

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify requirements for devices for mechanical connections between vehicles and their fitment.

ADR 63 - Trailers Designed for Use in Road Trains

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify additional requirements for trailers designed for use in 'Road Trains' having a 'Gross Combination Mass' not exceeding 125 tonnes.

ADR 64 - Heavy Goods Vehicles Designed for Use in Road Trains & B-Doubles

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify additional design and construction requirements for hauling vehicles designed to be used in 'Road Train' and 'B-Doubles'.

ADR 65 - Maximum Road Speed Limiting for Heavy Goods Vehicles and Heavy Omnibuses

The function of this ADR is to specify devices or systems used to limit the maximum road speed of heavy goods vehicles and heavy omnibuses.

ADR 66 - Seat Strength, Seat Anchorage Strength and Padding in Omnibuses

The function of this ADR is to specify requirements for the strength of 'Seats', seat-anchorages and seatbelt 'Anchorages'' of certain omnibuses; and for protecting occupants from accessories on the 'Seats' and the armrests.

The rule includes requirements for both the 'Seats' themselves and for vehicles fitted with 'Seats'.

ADR 67 - Installation of Lighting and Light-Signalling Devices on Three-Wheeled Vehicles

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to ensure that the installation of the lighting and light-signalling devices on the vehicle is such that the effective operation of these devices is not impaired.

ADR 68 - Occupant Protection in Buses

The function of this ADR is to specify, for certain omnibuses, requirements for seatbelts, the strength of 'Seats', seat-anchorages, seatbelt 'Anchorages' and 'Child Restraint Anchorages', and provisions for protecting occupants from impact with 'Seat' backs and accessories on 'Seats' and armrests.

ADR 69 - Full Frontal Impact Occupant Protection

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify vehicle crashworthiness requirements in terms of forces and accelerations measured on anthropomorphic dummies in outboard front seating positions in full frontal test crashes so as to minimise the likelihood of injury to occupants of those seating positions.

ADR 70 - Exhaust Emission Control for Diesel Engined Vehicles

The function of this Australian Design Rule (ADR) is to reduce air pollution, by limiting the hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and particulates emitted to the atmosphere from the exhaust system of motor vehicles fitted with a 'Diesel Engine'. This ADR is additional to ADR 30/00 which limits exhaust smoke emissions from such vehicles.

ADR 72 - Dynamic Side Impact Occupant Protection

The function of this Australian Design Rule (ADR) is to specify Crash worthiness requirements in terms of forces and accelerations measured by anthropomorphic dummies so as to minimise the likelihood of injury to the occupants in side impact.

ADR 73 - Offset Frontal Impact Occupant Protection

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify crash worthiness requirements in terms of forces and accelerations measured by anthropomorphic dummies so as to minimise the likelihood of injury to the occupants in offset frontal impacts.

ADR 74 - Side Marker Lamps

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to prescribe photometric requirements for side marker lamps which are used to increase the visibility of vehicles when viewed from the side.

ADR 75 - Headlamp Cleaners

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to prescribe requirements for the installation and testing of headlamp cleaners, if these are fitted to vehicles.

ADR 76 - Daytime Running Lamps

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to prescribe photometric requirements to daytime running lamps which are provided to improve the conspicuousness of vehicles in daylight.

ADR 77 - Gas Discharge Headlamps

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to prescribe photometric requirements for gas discharge headlamps.

ADR 78 - Gas Discharge Light Sources

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to prescribe photometric and geometric requirements for light sources for gas discharge headlamps.

ADR 79 - Emissions Control for Light Vehicles

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to prescribe exhaust and evaporative emission requirements for light vehicles in order to reduce air pollution.

ADR 80 - Emissions Control for Heavy Vehicles

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to prescribe exhaust emission requirements for heavy vehicles in order to reduce air pollution.

ADR 81 - Fuel Consumption Labelling for Light Vehicles

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to prescribe requirements for the measurement of fuel consumption and the design and application of fuel consumption labels to vehicles.

ADR 82 - Engine Immobilisers

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to prescribe requirements for engine immobilising devices which are fitted to prevent vehicles from being driven away powered by their engines.

ADR 83 - External Noise

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to define limits on external noise generated by motor vehicles, motorcycles and mopeds in order to limit the contribution of motor traffic to community noise.

For further information please email: standards@dotars.gov.au